Marshall crafting legislation after Thorne-Begland appointment

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RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Following the appointment of an openly gay prosecutor to Richmond's General District Court, one lawmaker is proposing legislation that could keep some judicial candidates off the bench in the future.

Delegate Bob Marshall is crafting a measure that would keep lawmakers from sponsoring someone for a judgeship if that person has contributed to their campaign.

Marshall said Tracy Thorne-Begland should not have been given a judgeship because he gave money to the campaign of Delegate Manoli Loupassi, one of Thorne-Begland's supporters.

Marshall also alleges Loupassi, a lawyer, could receive favoritism if he argues a case before Thorne-Begland in the future.

That's a claim that Loupassi strongly denies.

Marshall opposed Thorne-Begland's appointment because of his role as a gay activist.

In addition to the lawmakers, Marshall is criticizing the governor for praising the appointment, calling it a slap in the face of the General Assembly.